Telomeric length in individuals and cell lines with altered p53 status

Telomeres play an important role in maintaining chromosomal stability and are often shortened in transformed cells. p53 is the most commonly mutated gene in cancers and its status is thought to reflect the level of genomic stability. We measured telomeric length by Southern blot analysis in cells from cancer-prone syndromes and in selected cancer cells with altered p53 status. Mean telomeric lengths in the cancer-prone syndromes Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Fanconi's anemia, and ataxia telangiectasia, were shorter in the affected individuals than in their unaffected parents. We also found that altered p53 expression in selected cancer cell model systems may be associated with shortened telomeric length, but did not appear to be associated with significant alterations in telomerase activity.